1 Corinthians 11:24
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Jesus' command to "do this in remembrance of me" isn't just about recalling his sacrifice, but actively participating in the meal to remember who he is and what he has done for us. The phrase "which is for you" is the vital link, emphasizing that the bread's brokenness represents his body given specifically for us, making the remembrance a deeply personal act of gratitude and connection.
and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is addressing a deeply divisive issue in the Corinthian church: how they were celebrating the Lord's Supper. Instead of a communal meal of unity and remembrance of Christ's sacrifice, some were acting selfishly, leading to drunkenness and disrespect for others, particularly the poor. In this passage, Paul reminds them of Jesus' original institution of the Supper on the night he was betrayed, emphasizing its intended meaning of sacrifice and remembrance.
Before the ultimate sacrifice, Jesus offers thanks. What does this teach us about approaching sacred moments?
Jesus' action of giving thanks before breaking the bread is profoundly significant. It wasn't just a ritual; it was an act of worship and recognition of God's sovereignty, even in the face of suffering.
Thanksgiving Amidst Trial
This reminds us that even in the hardest times, our default response should be gratitude. Jesus saw beyond the pain to the Father's plan and goodness.
A Foundation for Remembrance
This moment of thanksgiving sets the tone for the entire remembrance. It’s not just about remembering a sad event, but remembering God's faithfulness and love that propelled Jesus towards the cross.
Jesus explicitly states his body is 'for you.' What does this personal sacrifice mean for our lives today?
The phrase 'which is for you' is the heart of Jesus' sacrificial offering. It's not a generic sacrifice, but a specific, personal one directed at his disciples and, by extension, all believers.
Personal Substitution
This highlights the concept of substitution – Jesus' life and body given in place of our own. His death covers our sin, offering us freedom and reconciliation with God.
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A Gift of Love
It's a profound expression of God's love. The 'for you' emphasizes that this sacrifice wasn't forced upon Him or them, but was a willing gift rooted in immense love.
Jesus commands us to 'Do this in remembrance of me.' What kind of remembrance is He asking for?
The command to 'Do this in remembrance of me' is more than just a passive recollection. It's an active, participatory act that keeps the reality of Jesus' sacrifice alive.
Active Memorialization
This is a living memorial, not a dusty museum piece. Each time we share in the bread and cup, we are testifying to Christ's death and resurrection. It's a proclamation and a renewal of our covenant commitment.
Remembering His Presence
It’s also a remembrance of His ongoing presence with us. By obeying this command, we acknowledge that He who gave His body and blood is still with us by His Spirit, empowering us to live out His teachings.
Understand the original words
sōma · Greek Noun
The physical flesh and blood nature of Christ, offered as a sacrifice for the atonement of sins; the bread in the ordinance represents this sacrificial gift.
anamnēsin · Greek Noun
A memorial or calling to mind; in a biblical sense, it is an active, ongoing engagement with the past saving work of God so that its significance is present in the current life of the believer.
The instruction to 'do this in remembrance of me' was given at the very end of Jesus' earthly life, and Paul, writing decades later, reminded the Corinthian church of its profound meaning amidst their social and spiritual divisions.
c. AD 27-30— this verse
Jesus' Ministry and Last Supper
During his earthly ministry, Jesus instituted the Lord's Supper with his disciples before his crucifixion.
c. AD 30-33
Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus
Jesus was crucified, died, and was resurrected, fulfilling prophecies and establishing the new covenant.
c. AD 30-40s
Growth of the Early Church
The apostles began to preach the gospel, and the Christian church, centered in Jerusalem, started to grow rapidly.
c. AD 48-50
Paul's First Missionary Journey
The Apostle Paul traveled, establishing churches and teaching the apostles' doctrine, including the significance of the Lord's Supper.
c. AD 50-52
Paul in Corinth
Paul spent a significant amount of time in Corinth, founding the church there and addressing its many issues.
c. AD 53-55
Paul Writes 1 Corinthians
From Ephesus, Paul wrote his first letter to the church in Corinth to correct doctrinal and practical errors, including those related to their communion services.
This Gospel account directly parallels Paul's words, showing Jesus instituting the Lord's Supper and giving the same command to remember him through this act.
John 6:53-56Jesus speaks metaphorically about eating his flesh and drinking his blood, which the early church understood as pointing to the spiritual reality signified by the Lord's Supper.
1 Corinthians 10:16Paul explains that participating in the bread and the cup signifies our fellowship with Christ's body and blood, deepening our understanding of what it means to remember him.
Exodus 12:14This Old Testament Passover command to remember God's deliverance is a foundational parallel to Jesus' command to remember his sacrifice through the Lord's Supper.
Jesus' command to "do this in remembrance of me" isn't just about recalling his sacrifice, but actively participating in the meal to remember who he is and what he has done for us. The phrase "which is for you" is the vital link, emphasizing that the bread's brokenness represents his body given specifically for us, making the remembrance a deeply personal act of gratitude and connection.
Paul is addressing a deeply divisive issue in the Corinthian church: how they were celebrating the Lord's Supper. Instead of a communal meal of unity and remembrance of Christ's sacrifice, some were acting selfishly, leading to drunkenness and disrespect for others, particularly the poor. In this passage, Paul reminds them of Jesus' original institution of the Supper on the night he was betrayed, emphasizing its intended meaning of sacrifice and remembrance.
Paul is addressing a deeply divisive issue in the Corinthian church: how they were celebrating the Lord's Supper. Instead of a communal meal of unity and remembrance of Christ's sacrifice, some were acting selfishly, leading to drunkenness and disrespect for others, particularly the poor. In this passage, Paul reminds them of Jesus' original institution of the Supper on the night he was betrayed, emphasizing its intended meaning of sacrifice and remembrance.
"and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”" — Jesus' command to "do this in remembrance of me" isn't just about recalling his sacrifice, but actively participating in the meal to remember who he is and what he has done for us. The phrase "…
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Last reviewed October 2026
